A controlled study on the preventive effect of ketotifen, an antiallergic agent, on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in asthmatics

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Abstract
The preventive effect of ketotifen, an oral drug with antianaphylactic and antihistaminic properties on methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction was studied in controlled cross-over experiments in 26 adult patients with extrinsic asthma. A single dose of 1 mg ketotifen and 4 wk treatment of ketotifen, 1 mg twice daily, failed to reduce the methacholine-induced drop in peak expiratory flow. Spirometric findings remained unchanged during ketotifen treatment. There was no difference between treatments with ketotifen and placebo with regard to the patient''s assessment of the severity of asthma or airway sensitivity to tobacco smoke, fumes or dusts or exercise. Treatment during 4 wk with ketotifen apparently does not reduce unspecific bronchial hyperreactivity in patients with extrinsic asthma.